Hopefully nobody will get too upset because I am sure this is a bit of a dumb question.

My 83 is getting closer to being road ready, but I don't know the history on the trans. I don't know if it is original, upgraded, stock rebuild or how long it has been there. So, I want to do some simple upgrades without spending a ton of money. I plan to do the Corvette servo, and I am setting up TCC lockup which will include filter/fluid change, but what other things should I do that won't require a) removing the transmission or b) spending a fortune on a trans that will fail and get replaced with the t56?

The car is mostly just an occasional driver, and will be taken to the track at times to run auto cross and maybe NASA HPDE training. I know I want to get a manual in there when this trans dies, but I won't be ready for that type of operation until I get another long project done, so I want to help get as much life out of this trans as I can.

 

Almost 4 days and nobody has any recommendations? I would like to think that it is because the filter/fluid change and servo are all that is needed, but I know better. I am sure there are other things that will help with trans life that can be done while the pan is off, anybody?

 

Assuming that the transmission is still in good shape, then I would add one of my modified TransGo Performance Shift kits. They have the abitlity to hold any gear to any rpm, and offer smooth 1-2 part throttle shifts, and if you want the ability to hold 4th gear at WOT I have the parts for that also. They come with the Corvette servo, boost valves, all other necessary parts and instructions. Any questions about this let me know?

 

Every shift kit I have seen requires the trans to come out, and I want to avoid that. If that kit can be done without removing the trans then give me an idea of cost and I will look into it. I have rebuilt a couple T350's, so I am not new to the auto trans, but I really hate to pull this one out until I get ready for a manual.

 

is a 1983 700r4 worth putting money into?i understand the 1987 up ones are way better.

 

Call up Dana from pro built auto he will help you out a ton

 

Putting money into a trans, without knowing what year it is, is always going to be a risky proposition. However, since I don't have the cash right now to either swap in a new built 700r4 or to swap to a manual, I want to do what I can to help this get a decent life. It may only give me a few miles, it may stay together until I am ready for the trans swap, either way it is a small investment for a good potential gain.

toxik, I will try to get in touch with Dana when I am awake during the day. It is hard to deal with most businesses because I am a grave worker and sleep during the daylight hours, but I will give a call.

 

The transgo kit mentioned above can be installed while the tranny us inside the car if I read correctly

 

Ok, I will check with Dana probably tomorrow. I have been so focused on other things that the car needed that I put this part off until I got close to being street ready.

 

You only have to pull the pan for a shift kit,You can tell what year it is by the valve body.

 

Cool, I will definitely get in touch with Dana then to see what I can do.

 

Get ahold of pro built automatics, he posted here earlier, he has amazing prices

 

I too am upgrading my 700r.Today i picked up a b&m shift improver kit part #70239.Also have .500 boost valve 1 2 and 3 4 accumulator springs.also have corvette servo.My question is should i use the stage 1 or 2 kit?I want to be able to control the rpm in any gear but still want a comfortable ride so to say.So what should I do?I also have a 2600 stall.

 

Stage 2 without a doubt,You still wont be able to hold it to any rpm with the b&m.

 

You need a 1987 or newer trans or you are wasting your time. The early 700s especially the 82-84 were junk. They had a life expentancy of 6000 miles. The 87-92 700s are much better. Get a good servo, 13 vane pump, 5 pinion planets, boost valve, and a good band and 3-4 clutch kit and it should live a while. Every 10 degree drop in trans temp adds 10.000 miles. No cooler is too big.

 

Thanks for your input while ignoring everything I said. I don't know what year the trans is, I haven't pulled the pan off yet. Regardless, spending the kind of cash you are talking about to rebuild a trans, plus paying to find a 'newer' version, is as much of a waste as anything. I DON'T WANT an AUTO, and I am sure as hell not wasting money building one, however making this last until I can spend on what I want is not a waste of time in spite of your opinion.

If I wanted to spend that kind of coin, and I had it to spend right now, I would drop a T56 in and shoot the 700r4 a few times for good measure. If and when the trans comes out of this car it is coming out for good, and there is not a snowball's chance in hell an auto is going back in.